Cicada
Cicadidae family
About the cicada
Cicadas are harmless to humans, despite their large size and the dramatic buzzing chorus the males produce in summer. Nymphs spend years underground feeding on tree root sap, then emerge in synchronized broods every 13 or 17 years for periodical species, or annually for 'dog-day' species. The only real damage comes from females laying eggs in pencil-thick young tree branches, which can cause flagging. Netting young trees during emergence is the main control if you want one.
Quick ID
25–50 mm stout body with transparent veined wings and prominent red eyes.
In the Triangle
Annual cicadas every summer; major periodical broods (Brood XIV, XIX) emerge across parts of NC on cycles.
Think you have cicadas?
Free inspection from a licensed Castle Exterminators technician — Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary & the Triangle. We'll confirm the species and recommend a treatment plan.
Request Free Inspection (919) 606-8686
